ELECTRONIC CONTROL CONCEPTS

160 Partition Street

Saugerties, NY 12477
(800)VIP- XRAY or 800-847-9729
local phone 845-246-9013
Fax (845)247-9028

http://www.eccxray.com
eccxray@verizon.net

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

MODEL 870

mA / mAs Meter

Rev: March 18, 2010

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 MODEL 870
mA / mAs Meter
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

DESCRIPTION 3

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
SWITCH SETTINGS 5

FILTRATION CORRECTION 8

mA / mAs OPERATION 9

STATUS MESSAGES 10

BATTERY REPLACEMENT 11

WARRANTY 11

SERVICE INFORMATION 11

SPECIFICATIONS 12

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 DESCRIPTION
The ECC Model 870 mA Meter / mAs/ exposure time meter is specifically designed
to measure x-ray tube current. The ECC Model 870 is a solid-state, digital
instrument designed specifically for service personnel in assessing the performance
of radiation generators. This instrument measures and displays mA, mAs and
exposure time for each x-ray exposure. The instrument is used for dental x-ray
units, radiographic and fluoroscopic x-rays. The operator switches from 2A to 200
mA amp operation simply by switching the switch from left to right.

mA / mAs Measurment Overview

 Connect the leads in series with the
ground side of the tube current
 Switch the switch to which range
you wish to obtain.
 Take an exposure of at least 0.1
sec
 870 will display and hold mA, mAs,
and exposure time reading
 870 is ready for next reading, no
reset is required

When a measurement is being made, the Model 870 has the capability of
automatically determining the type of x-ray that is being measured. It is not
necessary for the user to program correction factors for different types of x-ray
waveforms.

The Model 870 automatically resets at the beginning of each exposure, holding the
reading until the next exposure. There is no need to reset the meter before each
measurement.

This is a new state of the art instrument with many advanced features. For example,
when taking ma / mAs readings, the mA reading is stored and displayed. It is not
necessary to have exposure times long enough to display a reading. This minimizes
unnecessary exposure to test personnel and minimizes heating as well as wear and
tear on the x-ray tube. The Model 870 will display mA, mAs and exposure time for
each x-ray exposure further minimizing the number of x-ray exposures.

The most convenient way of using the 870 for mA, mAs and exposure time
measurements is to plug leds into front of unit and attach the other end, which is
designed to be connected in the ground return line of the high voltage transformer
and must be in the actual current path of the x-ray tube. Step back, take the
exposure and then observe the reading. Refer to the section on Operation for
information on how to obtain the most accurate measurements.

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It is important that the user be thoroughly familiar with the contents of this
manual before performing any tests on radiation generating equipment. It is
also imperative that the user be thoroughly qualified, and familiar with safety
precautions and other practices relating to radiation generators.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
SWITCH SETTINGS
In order to keep operation easy and straightforward there is only one switch on the
unit.

ON / OFF / RANGE switch

The switch is used to turn on the instrument and switch between the 2 ranges.
To first power on as an mA / mAs meter, choose which range you wish to use.

OPERATION
mA / mAs Measurements:
1. Before making any connections to the x-ray generator, MAKE CERTAIN THAT
THE GENERATOR’S POWER TURNED OFF.
2. Connect the Model 870 mA leads to the x-ray generator under test (see
below).
3. Plug leads into front of Model 870.
4. Set the range (200 mA or 2 Amp) by turning the switch.
5. Step back from x-ray and take exposure.
6. Observe the reading.

CAUTION: Do Not Plug Or Unplug mA Cable While Unit is ON.

Line up the pins in the cable and chassis connecter before inserting.

When taking mA or mAs measurements, make sure that the exposure time is at
least 0.1 second. If the exposure time is short, which could happen on an x-ray set
for 1/10 second, the mAs reading will be inaccurate. We suggest using an exposure
of 3/20 (0.15) second.

The ECC Model 820 performs a true RMS measurement of the x-ray current, and
then converts that value to average current to conform to industry standards. The
proprietary circuit samples the current for representative amount of time, and then
extrapolates that value for the entire exposure time.

If the instrument is set for 200mA range and any portion of the current reaches 200
mA, the unit will indicate that the reading is Overscale. Turn the unit off and on and
set the range for 2 Amp to get the proper reading. This can happen with AC x-rays
measuring between 150 and 200 mA as well as DC and multiphase x-rays that have
an overshoot.

Exposure Time Measurements:

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The exposure time will be displayed in milliseconds (ms). The x-ray exposure time
must be at least 100 ms. If it is necessary to measure exposure times less than 100
ms, please contact ECC to purchase our Model 8700 Digital X-ray Time Exposure
Meter.

mA Lead Connection
The mAs meter was designed to be connected in the ground return line of the high
voltage transformer and must be in the actual current path of the x-ray tube. The
meter can be connected in series with the rectified tube current (DC Path), via the
DC input jacks or it can be connected using the AC input jack in series with the
transformer downstream of the rectifier (AC Path). However, all tube current must go
through the mAs Meter to have an accurate reading. If an alternate or parallel
current pathway of the x-ray generator is present, it could bypass the meter and
invalidate the reading. Do not use resistors, varistors, bypass, or distributed
capacitors in parallel with the meter. This will affect calibration. Before using the mAs
meter, examine the circuit of the x-ray generator and be certain that the mAs meter
is connected so that such components will not affect the readings. Varistors, which
have limiting voltage above 10V, will probably not affect the reading.

STATUS MESSAGES
Applies to kVp and mA Measurements

The alphanumeric display on the Model 870 is capable of displaying messages

along with the output readings that give the user additional information. Each
message is described below:

Rdy 2A- Unit is ready for a reading in the 2 Amp range.

Rdy 200mA- Unit is ready for a reading in 200mA Range

Over Range - Over Range. The x-ray output is too high. Use a lower mA setting.

Low Battery - Battery is low. The unit may still be operated for several hours, but
accuracy may suffer. Replace the batteries as soon as possible.

BATTERY REPLACEMENT
The Model 870 is supplied with one 9V battery. Replace the battery when the "Low
Battery" indication shows in the display. Any standard 9V batteries can be used in
the 870. We recommend Duracell MN1604 9 Volt Alkaline Battery To prolong
battery life, turn the instrument off when not in use.

To replace the battery, open the battery compartment on the bottom of the case
using a small screwdriver or thumbnail. Remove the old batteries, and install the

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new batteries. Observe the correct polarity of the battery as shown on the bottom of
the battery compartment.

WARRANTY
Electronic Control Concepts warrants the Model 870 X-ray mA / mAs / Exposure
Time Meter from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 2 years.
There is no warranty on the battery. ECC will replace or repair any Model 870
during the first year after shipment that does not show obvious signs of abuse.
Contact the factory as described below.

SERVICE INFORMATION
If a unit should need calibration or service, please contact the factory by phone or
fax to obtain a Return Materials Repair authorization.

(800)VIP-XRAY or (800)847-9729 Phone

(845)247-9028 Fax

After obtaining an RMR number, ship the unit to:

Electronic Control Concepts
160 Partition Street
Saugerties, NY 12477

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 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MODEL 870 mA / mAs METER

RANGE RECALIBRATION
 200 mA Full Scale  Annually
 0.1 mA Resolution (mA or mAs)
 10 Ohms Input impedance OPERATING CONDITIONS
o o
 Measures 5 to 200 mA  +10 to 40 C
o o
 2A Full Scale  50 to 104 F
 1 mA Resolution (mA or mAs)
OPTIONS
 1 Ohm Input impedance
Model 8700CC – Tailored cordura
 Meter automatically selects AC/DC
 Select range via On / Off Switch
Carrying Case specifically designed for
instrument.
mA / mAs ACCURACY
 1% +/- 2 mA on all ranges Model 8700HC – Custom made hard
case with space for leads.
CONNECTION
 Tip Jacks ABOUT ECC
 Test leads with two alligator clips ECC is recognized throughout the world,
having sold to over forty countries, as
DISPLAY well as military installations. ECC has
 0.22" (5.5mm) Liquid Crystal been in business for 16 years, and ahs
 2 line, 12 Character Alphanumeric
become known for quality, reliability,
CONTROLS/INDICATORS and price.
 ON / OFF / Range Switch
 24 Character Liquid Crystal Display
 Displays mA, mAs and Exposure time
for each exposure.

POWER
 9 Volt battery accessible from bottom
of case
 Low battery indicator

BATTERY LIFE
 100 hours continuous
 Typically over one year of normal use

WARRANTY
 2 years from ship date

PHYSICAL SIZE
 80 X 147 X 40 mm
 3.15 X 5.8 X 1.6 inches

WEIGHT
 250 g, (0.55 lb)